Strike terror into the homeless, the suicidal and those suffering

Have you ever seen a loved one suffer? What if the state encouraged those in hospitals to undergo humiliation, degradation and violation for a sop? What disease today even approaches the mental illnesses as the target of ignorant jokes and false characterization, so evident on Halloween?

In Provo, Utah, a newspaper recently ran an impassioned editorial to “Bring Back Haunted Castle,” a seasonal fixture at a state hospital that used actual patients as performers before being shuttered almost a decade ago.

“A far more evil force cast the monsters out – political correctness,” wrote the Daily Herald, noting that proceeds benefited the patients’ recreation fund.

Most readers who responded were in favor of resurrecting the attraction, despite a NAMI drive “to sway the vote,” according to editorial page editor Donald Meyers.

Some observers attribute the connection between the scary holiday and psychiatric disorders to the popularity of the 1978 movie “Halloween,” in which an escaped killer – institutionalized since childhood – goes on a violent rampage. Others say such imagery goes back centuries to medieval times.

Whatever the reason, the depictions are harmful, activists say. Criticizing such themes isn’t about semantics or being humor-impaired, they add, but about calling attention to a public health issue.

According to a U.S. Surgeon General report, stigma remains one of the greatest barriers to mental health care. Next month, several groups – including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – will launch a first-ever national campaign to stamp out stereotypes that rarely extend to other ailments.

“It’s hard to imagine a cancer patient losing her wig as a source of amusement for patrons,” Carolla said.